The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 continues to deliver thrilling contests, as South Africa Women edged past Bangladesh Women by three wickets in a tense finish at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam. In a match that swung dramatically between both sides, South Africa’s experience under pressure eventually prevailed as they chased down a tricky target of 233 with just three balls to spare, finishing at 235/7 in 49.3 overs.
Bangladesh, who had earlier posted a competitive 232/6 on the back of half-centuries from Sharmin Akhter and Shorna Akter, looked in control for long stretches. But Chloe Tryon’s all-round brilliance — a measured 62 off 69 coupled with a disciplined 10-over spell for 41 runs and one wicket — proved to be the decisive factor. Her match-winning impact under pressure earned her the Player of the Match award, as South Africa held their nerve to secure two crucial points in the group stage.
Nonkululeko Mlaba – 10–0–42–2
Nonkululeko Mlaba gave South Africa the ideal start with a disciplined opening spell, claiming 2 for 42 from her 10 overs. Her early breakthroughs — trapping Fargana Hoque lbw and later dismissing Nigar Sultana — disrupted Bangladesh’s rhythm and ensured constant pressure through the innings. Bowling with smart variations of flight and pace, Mlaba’s accuracy forced Bangladesh’s batters onto the defensive and restricted what could have been a 250-plus total.
Shorna Akter – 51* (35) & 4–0–25–0
Youngster Shorna Akter showcased her growing maturity with a blistering 51 not out off 35 balls, providing Bangladesh’s innings with late impetus. Entering at a crucial juncture, she combined improvisation with power, striking boundaries in all directions to lift the scoring rate and guide her side past the 230-mark. Later, she also bowled 4 tidy overs for 25 runs, keeping things tight in the middle overs and taking the catch to dismiss Marizanne Kapp. Her all-round display was one of the biggest positives for Bangladesh despite the narrow defeat.
Sharmin Akhter – 50 (77)
Bangladesh’s innings was anchored by Sharmin Akhter, who compiled a calm and assured 50 off 77 deliveries. Coming in early, she steadied the innings after two quick wickets, building vital stands that allowed her side to regain control. Her shot selection and ability to rotate strike frustrated the South African bowlers, while her awareness in running between the wickets helped maintain momentum. She was eventually run out (Bosch/Jafta) while looking to accelerate, but her composed half-century was the foundation for Bangladesh’s total of 232.
Chloe Tryon – 62 (69) & 10–0–41–1
Chloe Tryon once again proved her all-round match-winning value for South Africa. With the ball, she produced a composed spell of 10–0–41–1, claiming the wicket of Rubya Haider to halt Bangladesh’s progress during the middle overs. But it was her brilliant batting under pressure that turned the match. Chasing a testing total, Tryon anchored the innings with a vital 62 off 69 deliveries, mixing power and poise while stitching crucial partnerships that steadied the chase. Her ability to absorb pressure and find boundaries at key moments tilted the balance decisively in South Africa’s favour. Unsurprisingly, her all-round excellence earned her the Player of the Match award.
Marizanne Kapp – 56 (71) & 6–0–27–0
Marizanne Kapp once again demonstrated her class with a measured 56 off 71 balls, providing stability during the middle overs when wickets were tumbling. Her blend of solid defence and controlled aggression kept South Africa’s chase on course and prevented Bangladesh from building momentum. Earlier, Kapp bowled 6 economical overs for 27 runs, using her seam movement to maintain early pressure. Her innings proved pivotal, laying the platform for the lower order to complete the chase successfully.
Nahida Akter – 9.3–1–44–2
Nahida Akter stood out as Bangladesh’s most threatening bowler, finishing with figures of 9.3–1–44–2. She dismissed Tazmin Brits early to provide her side with the perfect start and later returned to remove the well-set Marizanne Kapp at a crucial juncture. Nahida’s accuracy and ability to extract subtle turn on a slow surface kept South Africa under constant pressure. Though the result slipped away in the final over, her spirited spell ensured Bangladesh fought till the very end.
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